RSSJacksonville Wrong-Way Collision on Interstate 295
A head-on wrong-way collision on Interstate 295 critically injured two drivers in each of the vehicles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. William Uhrmann Jr., 28, of Jacksonville was southbound in the center lane of the northbound lanes of the interstate shortly after 4 a.m. and collided with a northbound car driven by Wallace Beale, 69, of St. Johns near the exit for southbound I-95. Police are still investigating the accident to figure out the cause of Uhrmann’s wrong-way travel. Police had received several calls from other drivers about the wrong-way driver and were responding when the collision occurred. Both men were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Wrong-way accidents almost always result in critical injury, and it is easy to see why. Two vehicles traveling at moderate to high speeds usually have very little pre-impact reaction time to brake or take other evasive action, so the resulting head-on collision creates significant impact into the occupant compartments of both vehicles. Two of the most common causes of wrong-way accidents are drivers who are distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But, these are certainly not the only reasons. Missing or improperly placed signage, heavy vegetation or poor lighting, road construction that alters normal traffic flow, or out-of-town drivers who are unfamiliar with a particular roadways can all cause wrong-way accidents.
This accident also sheds light on the importance of developing and implementing better technology to help reduce the number of catastrophic injuries that occur from wrong-way collisions. Authorities in some areas throughout Florida have begun to install devices that are allowing them to better understand the cause of wrong-way accidents and to deter drivers from continuing down a street in the wrong direction. The technology used includes sensors, flashing signs and lights and cameras that are all designed to alert a driver who has found him or herself driving the wrong-way. It can be argued that the lack of mainstream use of this technology is also to blame for some of these accidents. Hopefully, more cities in Florida will adopt and utilize these devices in an effort to save lives and minimize the frequency of head-on collisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way accident, our team of experienced accident attorneys can help you. For a free initial consultation, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.